Egypt: ISIS claims responsibility for the deadly blasts at churches

Dozens killed as a result of explosions at two Coptic churches in different cities in northern Egypt. Terrorists struck both churches when the worshipers were celebrating Palm Sunday. At least 45 people have been killed, and 100 were injured.

In the first attack, a bomb went off inside St. George’s Church in the Nile Delta city of Tanta, killing at least 27 people and wounding 78, officials said. ISIS’s news agency Amaq stated: “A group that belongs to Islamic State carried out the two attacks on the churches in the cities of Tanta and Alexandria.”

A bomb went off inside the Saint George’s Church in Tanta, a city in the Nile Delta region. At least 27 people were killed and 78 were wounded. Just a few hours later, another explosion unfolded in Saint Mark’s Cathedral in Alexandria. Details emerged that a suicide bomber blew himself up killing at least 16 people and left 41 wounded.

“After the explosion, everything became dark from the smoke,” said Edmond Edward one of the congregants at the Saint George’s church in Tanta. “There was a clear lapse in security, which must be tightened from now on to save lives,” he said. He went to explain that he believed that the blast centered near the altar. Father Daniel, who was leading the Palm Sunday service was wounded.

Soon after the explosions, international community began condemning the incidents. In this connection, the United Nation Security Council also condemned the two bombings calling them “heinous” and “cowardly.”

In a statement by the council it was stated that all members condemned the attacks: “They expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the government of Egypt and they wished a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured. The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.”